Moisture Equilibrium
Mass ratio of absorbed water to dry polymer weight in polyethylene terephthalate fibers under standard atmospheric conditions defines equilibrium moisture content. Polyester regain quantifies the low percentage of moisture absorbed by dry polyester fibers at standard temperature and humidity, typically measured at zero point four percent under standard testing conditions. The metric governs commercial billing weight adjustments, static electricity potential, and drying energy requirements, stopping when hydro-modified or hydrophilic co-polyesters undergo moisture testing.
Low ester polarity and high ester crystallinity restrict water molecule penetration into the polymer matrix.
Polymer Hydrophobicity
Crystalline orientation and lack of polar hydroxyl groups inhibit hydrogen bonding with water vapor molecules. Water adsorption occurs almost entirely on fiber outer surfaces rather than within interior crystalline structures. Hydrophobic characteristics accelerate drying rates during garment laundering.
Processing Influence
Low moisture retention increases susceptibility to static charge accumulation during carding, spinning, and weaving operations. Antistatic spin finishes are applied to prevent fiber cling and yarn ballooning. Moisture regain values dictate commercial invoice weights for raw fiber shipments.
Commercial Specification
Laboratory testing measures regain using desiccator drying and analytical balances under standardized humidity controls. Discrepancies in commercial mass calculations arise if unconditioned fiber weights are used without applying standard regain factors. Trading contracts enforce recognized standard regain constants for international polyester fiber transactions.